Math 300 Syllabus

Course prefix and number:

MATH 300

Course title:

Mathematical Computation

Number of credits:

UCORE category:

None

Course prerequisite:

MATH 220 or MATH 230

Current semester and year:

Fall 2022

Meeting schedule:

2:10-3:00 PM, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Building and room

Spark 327

Instructor:

Kevin Cooper

Office:

Neill 322

Office Hours:

3:00-4:00 MWF. If you can't make those times, make an appointment.

Phone:

5-4771

Email:

kcooper@wsu.edu

Required text materials:

None

Student learning outcomes and assessment:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:	The following topics will address this outcome:	This outcome will be evaluated primarily by:
work on remote computers.	VPN, SSH, SFTP	questions on the first quiz and both tests.
communicate mathematics effectively using the world wide web.	HTML, CSS, MathJax	two or three homework assignments, together with questions on the first quiz and both tests.
understand simple concepts of networked computing	discussion of DNS, TCP, IP, binary, decimal, and hexadecimal arithmetic	questions on first quiz and both tests
communicate mathematics effectively using mathematical typesetting languages.	LaTeX	two homework assignments, together with questions on both tests. In addition to these assignments that focus exclusively on writing and LaTeX, there are other assignments that have components comprising papers describing the results, rendered in LaTeX.
understand the rudiments of writing mathematical computer programs.	Matlab, Python, including SymPy.	six homework assignments, questions on the second quiz, and questions on the last test.
write mathematics well.	discussion and demonstration of mathematical writing styles and expectations.	several of the assignments described elsewhere include significant writing components.

Expectations for student effort:

You should expect to spend 2-5 hours per week on homework and test preparation.

Week to week course outline:

This table is a guideline only. We will spend more or less time on topics as required by student needs, and quizzes and tests will be scheduled in consultation with students.

Week	Topics
1	VPN, SSH, SFTP, HTML
2	HTML, CSS
3	Networking Concepts, Base n arithmetic
4	Quiz 1, LaTeX
5	LaTeX
6	LaTeX
7	Matlab Basics
8	Mathematical writing, Test 1, Matlab
9	Matlab
10	Matlab
11	Python, mathematical writing
12	Quiz 2, Python
13	Python
14	Python, Python/SymPy
15	Python/SymPy, review
16	Test 2, at time in Academic Calendar

Description of required assignments:

There will be two tests worth a total of 200 points. In addition there will be two quizzes worth 50 points each. There will be several assignments worth 400-500 points. These will typically fall into one of a few distinct categories.

Typeset some document for which we provide an image as a template.
Write some functions according to strict specifications.
Solve some open-ended mathematical problem, and write about the solution and how you found it. These assignments are much more extensive than the other classes of problems, and involve a substantial writing component.

There will also be periodic In-Class Exercises worth a minimal number of points.

Grading policy:

Percentage	Guaranteed Grade
93	A
90	A-
87	B+
83	B
80	B-
77	C+
73	C
70	C-
60	D
0	F

The policy regarding grades is to line percentages up in numerical order, and draw lines between grades in the gaps. This means that if your friend has a 93.01% she will get an A, but in that situation, if you have 92.97%, you will probably also get an A. To summarize, scores that are very close will receive the same grade. I also reserve the right to be merciful: there have been semesters when scores as low as 91% still received an A because I felt that a test contained a question that was misunderstood, or more difficult than I had anticipated.

Late assignments

Assignments are turned in electronically. There will always be a deadline for an assignment, but an assignment coming in after the deadline receives no penalty until after the first batch of assignments is graded. Any assignments received after the initial bunch is graded, but before they have been returned, incurs a 10% penalty. Once graded assignments are returned, those who missed the deadline can still submit the assignment, but their work receives a 20% penalty. One week after the deadline or when solutions to an assignment are posted (whichever comes first), then no further submissions are accepted.

Attendance policy:

None. We are adults now. Class time is useful for a variety of reasons, but if you disagree then you are free to use your time as you find most valuable. Be aware that the assignments will often specifically feature concepts and problem approaches that we have discussed in class.

WSU reasonable accomodations statement:

" Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please either visit or call the Access Center at 509-335-3417, Washington Building 217; http://accesscenter.wsu.edu, Access.Center@wsu.edu to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center."

WSU academic integrity statement:

"Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. As such, all members of the university community share responsibility for maintaining and promoting the principles of integrity in all activities, including academic integrity and honest scholarship. Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Students who violate WSU's Academic Integrity Policy (identified in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 504-26-010(3) and -404) will receive scores of zero on on the assignment or test in question. they will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-010(3). You need to read and understand all of the definitions of cheating. If you have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this course, you should ask course instructors before proceeding. If you wish to appeal a faculty member's decision relating to academic integrity, please use the form available at conduct.wsu.edu."

Course statement on collaboration:

Collaboration is one of the best ways to learn, and I encourage it on assignments. I can tell the difference between collaboration and plagiarism when your work and that of your collaborator are substantially different; when I witness you and your collaborator working together; and perhaps most importantly, when you identify your collaborator in your work. Put comments in your code; put acknowledgements in your papers. No collaboration is permitted on tests or quizzes.

Safety and emergency notification:

Classroom and campus safety are of paramount importance at Washington State University, and are the shared responsibility of the entire campus population. WSU urges students to follow the "Alert, Assess, Act," protocol for all types of emergencies and the "Run, Hide, Fight" response for an active shooter incident. Remain ALERT (through direct observation or emergency notification), ASSESS your specific situation, and ACT in the most appropriate way to assure your own safety (and the safety of others if you are able).
Please sign up for emergency alerts on your account at MyWSU. For more information on this subject, campus safety, and related topics, please view the FBI's Run, Hide, Fight video and visit the WSU safety portal.

The last test will take place at the final exam time, Monday 12 December, 1:30-3:30. It will be written as a one-hour in-class on-line test. As usual, you can use any resources you want. A Sample Exam is available. Note that the URL for the exam will not be emailed to all. If you need to take the exam from outside class, contact the instructor to get on the email list.

Assignment B is posted.

Most recent scores are on-line at My.math. Check the Info page. Let the instructor know if you find a discrepancy.

Department of Mathematics

Math 300: Mathematical Computing

Math 300 Syllabus